PHL, Japan exchange notes for MRT3 rehab

The governments of the Philippines and Japan on Wednesday exchanged notes for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3.

The Philippine government was represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., while the Japanese government was represented by Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda.

Locsin and Haneda exchanged notes on the MRT3 rehabilitation loan deal at the Department of Foreign Affairs main office in Pasay City.

The exchange of notes was witnessed by Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan.

"I am delighted that the Philippine government chose Japan as its partner to tackle the problems of the MRT3, and along with it, ease the traffic congestion along Edsa, one of the most important traffic lines in Metro Manila," Haneda said.

Under the Exchange of Notes, Japanese company Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will return as the firm in charge of the maintenance and rehabilitation of the MRT3.

Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy, as the original MRT3 maintenance contractor, has designed and built the line, as well as maintained it in its first 12 years.

The exchange of notes will be followed by the signing of a loan agreement on Thursday, November 8.

The Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) authorized a ¥38-billion (P18 billion) loan facility to cover investments for tracks replacement, general overhaul of trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, CCTV system, radio and public address system, signaling system, road-rail vehicles, depot equipment, elevators and escalators, and other station building equipment.

The project will take be 43 months, with the rehabilitation works to be completed in the first 26 months and general overhaul of the 72 light rail vehicles to be completed in the 43rd month.

“With the Exchange of Notes for the MRT3 rehabilitation, we secure a better and safer commuting experience for our riding public. We shall see improvements, service efficiency, security, and convenience,” Locsin said. — MDM/BM, GMA News